If you're new to Art Journal Every Day, there is a short introduction here. All of the previous posts can be found archived here. There is a flickr group for sharing right here. Remember, it's just ten minutes of nourishing your creative self every day! No need to finish anything or even like it. If you've done some art journaling this week and you've blogged about it, or put it on flickr, please leave a link in the linky list at the end of this post. Thanks!
As you know, I am always looking for new techniques and ideas to experiment with in my art journal. I was doing some serious googling on Citra Solv prints and I kept coming across Kayann Ausherman's fabulous blog. She has loads of tutorials and ideas and information about Citra Solv. As soon as I saw the I *heart* Balzer Designs button on her blog, it gave me the courage to beg and plead with her to do a guest tutorial on Citra Solv because I just knew you would all be as blown away by it as I am! She very kindly agreed! So, without further ado, here is Kayann's fantastic, comprehensive, and oh-so-inspiring guide to making art paper with Citra Solv & National Geographic Magazines! (I can't wait to add some to my art journal!!!)
Making Art Papers with Citra Solv
and National Geographic Magazines
One of my favorite mixed media techniques is using Citra Solv concentrated cleaner to alter the pages of National Geographic magazines, creating lovely and unique papers to use in a variety of art projects.
I especially love using my papers in mixed media collage to create a very unique look. Each paper is absolutely one of a kind!
Altering National Geographic pages with Citra Solv concentrate is quick and easy to do, requires very few supplies, and produces impressive results.
Materials needed:
- National Geographic magazines – I prefer issues from after the year 2000. The highly pigmented ink, printed on the clay coated pages, make this magazine uniquely suited for this process.
- Citra Solv concentrated cleaner – must be the concentrate!
- Spray bottle, although you can simply hold a finger over the opening and “shake” the Citra Solv onto the page.
- Table covering and rubber gloves – this is messy business!
- Disposable 9 x 13 aluminum pan
- Cotton swabs, rags or paper towels, stencils – depending on the special effects you choose to do.
- Matte, workable, spray fixative
Before starting, remove the cover, and the advertising pages at the front and back of the magazine. These have a different ink and will not dissolve nicely, so no need to waste your Citra Solv on them! With the remaining center section of the magazine, generously spray Citra Solv between each of the pages. Close the magazine, and set aside for about 5 minutes. I like to place it in a disposable cake pan to contain the inky mess that will begin to ooze out from between the pages.
After about 5 minutes, check a few of the pages to see if the ink has started to dissolve yet. If not, just let it sit for awhile longer. It may take as much as 20 or 30 minutes before the ink begins to dissolve, depending on the temperature and humidity of your area. If you wait too long, the Citra Solv will begin to dry and the pages will stick together. If you do it too soon, the pages will remain unaltered. There is nothing precise here, just checking and waiting.
Once the pages start to “go”, you will want to work fairly quickly, removing the pages and laying them out to dry. Even better, hang them on a line with clothespins.
I love this step, feeling like a kid opening a stack of Christmas presents, squealing with delight over the wonderful papers that emerge! Since the binding has also begun to dissolve, it is very easy to peel the pages out cleanly. Do not stack the pages until they are thoroughly dry.
At this point, you can leave your lovely papers as they are, or, you can alter them even further using a variety of techniques that take ink off, or add paint and other mediums on.
My favorite technique for removing ink is to use a stencil as a mask over the page, wiping the exposed parts with a Citra Solv doused rag or paper towel. These stencils from The Crafters Workshop have large designs that work perfectly!
Another method is to use a cotton swab saturated with Citra Solv like you would a paint brush in reverse. You can remove more of the ink from select areas, enhance images, or completely “erase” the ink from some areas, and effectively manipulate the ink in order to transform part of the remaining image, or create a totally new one.
Once you are done with the altering process, I recommend spraying your page with a workable matte fixative before using in your artwork to stabilize the ink and reduce smudging.
That should get you started, hope you have loads of fun!
Online sources to order Citra Solv:
Here is this week's linky list:
Kayann Ausherman is a mixed media artist living in rural Kansas. Her business, From Victory Road, specializes in using repurposed items in a wide variety of creative ways. She started using Citra Solv in her artwork about four years ago and her love of the unique art form has shaped much of her work. Currently she is teaching art journaling and Citra Solv classes, selling her creations at local shops and shows, and illustrating a children’s book. To learn more about her and her work, visit www.fromvictoryroad.com or her etsy shop at www.fromvictoryroad.etsy.com . Contact her at victoryrd@hotmail.com.
Amazing results Julie, loved this technique!
Amazing results Julie, loved this technique!
Amazing results Julie, loved this technique!
Amazing results Julie, loved this technique!
Amazing results Julie, loved this technique!
Very cool technique! And a wonderful way to repurpose old magazines.
Very cool technique! And a wonderful way to repurpose old magazines.
Very cool technique! And a wonderful way to repurpose old magazines.
Very cool technique! And a wonderful way to repurpose old magazines.
Very cool technique! And a wonderful way to repurpose old magazines.
Wow. Wow! Thank you for this tutorial.
Wow. Wow! Thank you for this tutorial.
Wow. Wow! Thank you for this tutorial.
Wow. Wow! Thank you for this tutorial.
Wow. Wow! Thank you for this tutorial.
Awesome results. Now I need to find a National Geographic from 2000.
Awesome results. Now I need to find a National Geographic from 2000.
Awesome results. Now I need to find a National Geographic from 2000.
Awesome results. Now I need to find a National Geographic from 2000.
Awesome results. Now I need to find a National Geographic from 2000.
Very cool technique
Very cool technique
Very cool technique
Very cool technique
Very cool technique
wow – plenty of those magazines lying around and a new techniques I want to try. Thanks so much!
wow – plenty of those magazines lying around and a new techniques I want to try. Thanks so much!
wow – plenty of those magazines lying around and a new techniques I want to try. Thanks so much!
wow – plenty of those magazines lying around and a new techniques I want to try. Thanks so much!
wow – plenty of those magazines lying around and a new techniques I want to try. Thanks so much!
How lovely
How lovely
How lovely
How lovely
How lovely
Wow! I have seen this done but I have never tried it. Thank you for the fabulous tutorial. Will definitely try it now! And thank you for introducing us to yet another wonderful artist.
Wow! I have seen this done but I have never tried it. Thank you for the fabulous tutorial. Will definitely try it now! And thank you for introducing us to yet another wonderful artist.
Wow! I have seen this done but I have never tried it. Thank you for the fabulous tutorial. Will definitely try it now! And thank you for introducing us to yet another wonderful artist.
Wow! I have seen this done but I have never tried it. Thank you for the fabulous tutorial. Will definitely try it now! And thank you for introducing us to yet another wonderful artist.
Wow! I have seen this done but I have never tried it. Thank you for the fabulous tutorial. Will definitely try it now! And thank you for introducing us to yet another wonderful artist.
Awesome, LOVE the effect. Does it work with any other magazine other than Nat’l Geo?
Awesome, LOVE the effect. Does it work with any other magazine other than Nat’l Geo?
Awesome, LOVE the effect. Does it work with any other magazine other than Nat’l Geo?
Awesome, LOVE the effect. Does it work with any other magazine other than Nat’l Geo?
Awesome, LOVE the effect. Does it work with any other magazine other than Nat’l Geo?
Very Cool! Is Citrisolv easy to find in the stores? I can’t say I have ever seen it on the shelves Thanks!
Very Cool! Is Citrisolv easy to find in the stores? I can’t say I have ever seen it on the shelves Thanks!
Very Cool! Is Citrisolv easy to find in the stores? I can’t say I have ever seen it on the shelves Thanks!
Very Cool! Is Citrisolv easy to find in the stores? I can’t say I have ever seen it on the shelves Thanks!
Very Cool! Is Citrisolv easy to find in the stores? I can’t say I have ever seen it on the shelves Thanks!
I just read about this few days back, but I am not sure if I can get Citrasolv in India…These pages look absolutely stunning and I would love to be able to try this!
I just read about this few days back, but I am not sure if I can get Citrasolv in India…These pages look absolutely stunning and I would love to be able to try this!
I just read about this few days back, but I am not sure if I can get Citrasolv in India…These pages look absolutely stunning and I would love to be able to try this!
I just read about this few days back, but I am not sure if I can get Citrasolv in India…These pages look absolutely stunning and I would love to be able to try this!
I just read about this few days back, but I am not sure if I can get Citrasolv in India…These pages look absolutely stunning and I would love to be able to try this!
Cloth paper scissors featured this technique a few years back also, I find citrus olive in my local hardware stores in the cleaning section. LOVE hardware stores for art supplies and inspiration!
Cloth paper scissors featured this technique a few years back also, I find citrus olive in my local hardware stores in the cleaning section. LOVE hardware stores for art supplies and inspiration!
Cloth paper scissors featured this technique a few years back also, I find citrus olive in my local hardware stores in the cleaning section. LOVE hardware stores for art supplies and inspiration!
Cloth paper scissors featured this technique a few years back also, I find citrus olive in my local hardware stores in the cleaning section. LOVE hardware stores for art supplies and inspiration!
Cloth paper scissors featured this technique a few years back also, I find citrus olive in my local hardware stores in the cleaning section. LOVE hardware stores for art supplies and inspiration!
hi julie
I’m going to have to add this to the growing list of things I need for my art thanks for the tutorial. Thanks for hosting this lovely hop have a great weekend
hi julie
I’m going to have to add this to the growing list of things I need for my art thanks for the tutorial. Thanks for hosting this lovely hop have a great weekend
hi julie
I’m going to have to add this to the growing list of things I need for my art thanks for the tutorial. Thanks for hosting this lovely hop have a great weekend
hi julie
I’m going to have to add this to the growing list of things I need for my art thanks for the tutorial. Thanks for hosting this lovely hop have a great weekend
hi julie
I’m going to have to add this to the growing list of things I need for my art thanks for the tutorial. Thanks for hosting this lovely hop have a great weekend
Kayann is one of the most eclectic artists I have ever come across.
Kayann is one of the most eclectic artists I have ever come across.
Kayann is one of the most eclectic artists I have ever come across.
Kayann is one of the most eclectic artists I have ever come across.
Kayann is one of the most eclectic artists I have ever come across.
Sure appreciate you talking her into sharing this, Julie!!
Sure appreciate you talking her into sharing this, Julie!!
Sure appreciate you talking her into sharing this, Julie!!
Sure appreciate you talking her into sharing this, Julie!!
Sure appreciate you talking her into sharing this, Julie!!
I saw this technique previously and not having any Citra Solv in the house and being very impatient, I decided to try with a similar cleaner. I made a mess and nothing but a mess! So learned by trying, that gotta use Citra Solv! It’s just as valuable to learn what doesn’t work in art/life as it is to learn what does. My local thrift shop has NG as do tag sales – great places to look if you want to recycle and repurpose for art supplies.
I saw this technique previously and not having any Citra Solv in the house and being very impatient, I decided to try with a similar cleaner. I made a mess and nothing but a mess! So learned by trying, that gotta use Citra Solv! It’s just as valuable to learn what doesn’t work in art/life as it is to learn what does. My local thrift shop has NG as do tag sales – great places to look if you want to recycle and repurpose for art supplies.
I saw this technique previously and not having any Citra Solv in the house and being very impatient, I decided to try with a similar cleaner. I made a mess and nothing but a mess! So learned by trying, that gotta use Citra Solv! It’s just as valuable to learn what doesn’t work in art/life as it is to learn what does. My local thrift shop has NG as do tag sales – great places to look if you want to recycle and repurpose for art supplies.
I saw this technique previously and not having any Citra Solv in the house and being very impatient, I decided to try with a similar cleaner. I made a mess and nothing but a mess! So learned by trying, that gotta use Citra Solv! It’s just as valuable to learn what doesn’t work in art/life as it is to learn what does. My local thrift shop has NG as do tag sales – great places to look if you want to recycle and repurpose for art supplies.
I saw this technique previously and not having any Citra Solv in the house and being very impatient, I decided to try with a similar cleaner. I made a mess and nothing but a mess! So learned by trying, that gotta use Citra Solv! It’s just as valuable to learn what doesn’t work in art/life as it is to learn what does. My local thrift shop has NG as do tag sales – great places to look if you want to recycle and repurpose for art supplies.
Wow, this is amazing, I’ve never heard of this!
Wow, this is amazing, I’ve never heard of this!
Wow, this is amazing, I’ve never heard of this!
Wow, this is amazing, I’ve never heard of this!
Wow, this is amazing, I’ve never heard of this!
I’m in a mixed media workshop and at our last meeting we also tried using Citrasolv on old National Geographics. It was amazingly fun and easy. The hardest part was deciding which images I liked best. I wrote about it here:
http://creativeupcycling.blogspot.com/2014/07/collage-is-never-dull-making-40.html
Our instructor said issues published after 1993 work. Someone in our group tried an earlier issue (by accident), and the pages simply turned black.
I will definitely try your ideas for “painting” with Citrasolv.
I’m in a mixed media workshop and at our last meeting we also tried using Citrasolv on old National Geographics. It was amazingly fun and easy. The hardest part was deciding which images I liked best. I wrote about it here:
http://creativeupcycling.blogspot.com/2014/07/collage-is-never-dull-making-40.html
Our instructor said issues published after 1993 work. Someone in our group tried an earlier issue (by accident), and the pages simply turned black.
I will definitely try your ideas for “painting” with Citrasolv.
I’m in a mixed media workshop and at our last meeting we also tried using Citrasolv on old National Geographics. It was amazingly fun and easy. The hardest part was deciding which images I liked best. I wrote about it here:
http://creativeupcycling.blogspot.com/2014/07/collage-is-never-dull-making-40.html
Our instructor said issues published after 1993 work. Someone in our group tried an earlier issue (by accident), and the pages simply turned black.
I will definitely try your ideas for “painting” with Citrasolv.
I’m in a mixed media workshop and at our last meeting we also tried using Citrasolv on old National Geographics. It was amazingly fun and easy. The hardest part was deciding which images I liked best. I wrote about it here:
http://creativeupcycling.blogspot.com/2014/07/collage-is-never-dull-making-40.html
Our instructor said issues published after 1993 work. Someone in our group tried an earlier issue (by accident), and the pages simply turned black.
I will definitely try your ideas for “painting” with Citrasolv.
I’m in a mixed media workshop and at our last meeting we also tried using Citrasolv on old National Geographics. It was amazingly fun and easy. The hardest part was deciding which images I liked best. I wrote about it here:
http://creativeupcycling.blogspot.com/2014/07/collage-is-never-dull-making-40.html
Our instructor said issues published after 1993 work. Someone in our group tried an earlier issue (by accident), and the pages simply turned black.
I will definitely try your ideas for “painting” with Citrasolv.
Does the Citrasolv smell strongly?
Does the Citrasolv smell strongly?
Does the Citrasolv smell strongly?
Does the Citrasolv smell strongly?
Does the Citrasolv smell strongly?
Does someone know a French equivalent to Citrasolv?
Thanks!
Does someone know a French equivalent to Citrasolv?
Thanks!
Does someone know a French equivalent to Citrasolv?
Thanks!
Does someone know a French equivalent to Citrasolv?
Thanks!
Does someone know a French equivalent to Citrasolv?
Thanks!
Adorei a ideia, perfeito para reusar um material tão nobre como as paginas de revistas que possuem uma tinta tão legal de se trabalhar.
Parabéns!
Adorei a ideia, perfeito para reusar um material tão nobre como as paginas de revistas que possuem uma tinta tão legal de se trabalhar.
Parabéns!
Adorei a ideia, perfeito para reusar um material tão nobre como as paginas de revistas que possuem uma tinta tão legal de se trabalhar.
Parabéns!
Adorei a ideia, perfeito para reusar um material tão nobre como as paginas de revistas que possuem uma tinta tão legal de se trabalhar.
Parabéns!
Adorei a ideia, perfeito para reusar um material tão nobre como as paginas de revistas que possuem uma tinta tão legal de se trabalhar.
Parabéns!
can you do that with alcohol instead of citra solv which we don’t have in Canada or at least no where near me??
would it work
can you do that with alcohol instead of citra solv which we don’t have in Canada or at least no where near me??
would it work
can you do that with alcohol instead of citra solv which we don’t have in Canada or at least no where near me??
would it work
can you do that with alcohol instead of citra solv which we don’t have in Canada or at least no where near me??
would it work
can you do that with alcohol instead of citra solv which we don’t have in Canada or at least no where near me??
would it work
Ich bin begeistert von dieser Technik und werde es hier in Deutschland mal ausprobieren. Ob es wohl mit Oranex geht?
Ich versuche es.
Herzliche Grüße aus Deutschland Gudrun
Ich bin begeistert von dieser Technik und werde es hier in Deutschland mal ausprobieren. Ob es wohl mit Oranex geht?
Ich versuche es.
Herzliche Grüße aus Deutschland Gudrun
Ich bin begeistert von dieser Technik und werde es hier in Deutschland mal ausprobieren. Ob es wohl mit Oranex geht?
Ich versuche es.
Herzliche Grüße aus Deutschland Gudrun
Ich bin begeistert von dieser Technik und werde es hier in Deutschland mal ausprobieren. Ob es wohl mit Oranex geht?
Ich versuche es.
Herzliche Grüße aus Deutschland Gudrun
Ich bin begeistert von dieser Technik und werde es hier in Deutschland mal ausprobieren. Ob es wohl mit Oranex geht?
Ich versuche es.
Herzliche Grüße aus Deutschland Gudrun
FYI
Vogue magazines work just as well as National Geographic and you can get some fabulous effects with the figures and faces.
FYI
Vogue magazines work just as well as National Geographic and you can get some fabulous effects with the figures and faces.
FYI
Vogue magazines work just as well as National Geographic and you can get some fabulous effects with the figures and faces.
FYI
Vogue magazines work just as well as National Geographic and you can get some fabulous effects with the figures and faces.
FYI
Vogue magazines work just as well as National Geographic and you can get some fabulous effects with the figures and faces.
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less 😉
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less 😉
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less 😉
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less 😉
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less 😉
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less 😉
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less 😉
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less 😉
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less 😉
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less 😉
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less
Sorry, I understand German but I only dare speak it after a beer and writing is too confronting 😉 Too many grammar issues!
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less
Sorry, I understand German but I only dare speak it after a beer and writing is too confronting 😉 Too many grammar issues!
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less
Sorry, I understand German but I only dare speak it after a beer and writing is too confronting 😉 Too many grammar issues!
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less
Sorry, I understand German but I only dare speak it after a beer and writing is too confronting 😉 Too many grammar issues!
Paint thinner (used for cleaning oilpaint of your brush) works too… experiment a bit, there are definitely brands that work better and smell less
Sorry, I understand German but I only dare speak it after a beer and writing is too confronting 😉 Too many grammar issues!
hi, I tried this last night and it didn’t do much but make a mess…thank god I had gloves on do you think I didn’t use enough or could my studio have been to cold? I’m very disappointed that I didn’t find any magic but a mess to clean up…any suggestions?
hi, I tried this last night and it didn’t do much but make a mess…thank god I had gloves on do you think I didn’t use enough or could my studio have been to cold? I’m very disappointed that I didn’t find any magic but a mess to clean up…any suggestions?
hi, I tried this last night and it didn’t do much but make a mess…thank god I had gloves on do you think I didn’t use enough or could my studio have been to cold? I’m very disappointed that I didn’t find any magic but a mess to clean up…any suggestions?
hi, I tried this last night and it didn’t do much but make a mess…thank god I had gloves on do you think I didn’t use enough or could my studio have been to cold? I’m very disappointed that I didn’t find any magic but a mess to clean up…any suggestions?
hi, I tried this last night and it didn’t do much but make a mess…thank god I had gloves on do you think I didn’t use enough or could my studio have been to cold? I’m very disappointed that I didn’t find any magic but a mess to clean up…any suggestions?
If you lay fabric between the pages,will it dye the fabric? It looks like batik. I’m going to try it and heat set the fabric.
If you lay fabric between the pages,will it dye the fabric? It looks like batik. I’m going to try it and heat set the fabric.
If you lay fabric between the pages,will it dye the fabric? It looks like batik. I’m going to try it and heat set the fabric.
If you lay fabric between the pages,will it dye the fabric? It looks like batik. I’m going to try it and heat set the fabric.
If you lay fabric between the pages,will it dye the fabric? It looks like batik. I’m going to try it and heat set the fabric.
After searching for Citra Solv and finally finding it at Jerry’s Artarama and buying some 2009 Nat Geos off ebay, I was able to try this technique. I can’t say it was a sucess. The ink didn’t really “melt” but I was able to push it around using a foam stamp. I read another blog that said to use Nat Geos older than 10 years? I will try again and see if i get better results.
After searching for Citra Solv and finally finding it at Jerry’s Artarama and buying some 2009 Nat Geos off ebay, I was able to try this technique. I can’t say it was a sucess. The ink didn’t really “melt” but I was able to push it around using a foam stamp. I read another blog that said to use Nat Geos older than 10 years? I will try again and see if i get better results.
After searching for Citra Solv and finally finding it at Jerry’s Artarama and buying some 2009 Nat Geos off ebay, I was able to try this technique. I can’t say it was a sucess. The ink didn’t really “melt” but I was able to push it around using a foam stamp. I read another blog that said to use Nat Geos older than 10 years? I will try again and see if i get better results.
After searching for Citra Solv and finally finding it at Jerry’s Artarama and buying some 2009 Nat Geos off ebay, I was able to try this technique. I can’t say it was a sucess. The ink didn’t really “melt” but I was able to push it around using a foam stamp. I read another blog that said to use Nat Geos older than 10 years? I will try again and see if i get better results.
After searching for Citra Solv and finally finding it at Jerry’s Artarama and buying some 2009 Nat Geos off ebay, I was able to try this technique. I can’t say it was a sucess. The ink didn’t really “melt” but I was able to push it around using a foam stamp. I read another blog that said to use Nat Geos older than 10 years? I will try again and see if i get better results.